Re-launch of the Atrium Studio at University Campus Suffolk
A space for creative and technology companies marked its new home with a re-launch celebration on Monday.
The Atrium Studios at University Campus Suffolk (UCS) is one of the only places in Suffolk to combine ‘messy’ and clean spaces for individuals and small companies such as artists, filmmakers and graphic designers, many of whom are start-ups and include graduates from UCS.
It was re-launched with a special open event, on Monday October 5, for start-ups and people in business who were interested in finding out more about the possibilities.
Maria Papadatou is a member of The Atrium Studios and owner of the start-up business FOScreations which specialises in bespoke painting.
Maria said at the re-launch: “people have been very interested in my work which has been good. I’ve been with Atrium for eight months. The space I have is perfect for my work and very light which is ideal. Texture is very important in my work, I create little drawings to pass the message I want across, political and social themes come through my creations. I also do bespoke paintings that are more decorative and contemporary on commission. Being with Atrium has been much more helpful than I thought it could be. I’ve made a lot of friends; it has a really good community feel.”
Sean Cooper of design company three&me attended the re-launch on the day the company celebrated its fourth birthday. He said “As students at UCS we often talked about how — with the skills we had learned — we could start up our own design company. The opening of Atrium Studios was the reason we took the decision to start up our design studio, without it we would not have had the impetus to go through with it. We were based at the Atrium for best part of a year before expanding and moving to our current studio. The Atrium Studios provided us with the space and support we needed to get started and for a reasonable price. It’s incredible to think this is where we’ve started and now we’re four year old.”
Red Cliff Films is video production company of UCS Film graduates specialising in corporate and promotional videos as well as short films, editing, colour grading, event and music videos.
Remi Morrison from the company said: “Atrium Studios helped offer a space for us when we needed to hold meetings with potential clients as well as passing on recommendations for film work. We now intend to hot desk at the new site which is great as their continued support will help us network amongst businesses and other creatives. Our current and past clients include Suffolk County Council, private wedding clients, musicians and Suffolk Internet Marketing Specialists (SIMS) as have filmed the monthly SIMS talks.”
Fine Artist Paul Fisk said: “Since graduating in 2011, I have had a studio space at the Atrium Studios. Being a member has enabled me to access contacts and opportunities I feel I would never have had the opportunity to encounter otherwise. I have been able to establish myself, not only as an artist, but also as a business man. Without the support of the Atrium Studios, I would not have encountered the opportunities I have which have led my career to develop.”
Carol Gant, arts curator for the School of Arts and Humanities and project coordinator for the Atrium Studios, said “We find many companies benefit from sharing the same space, in a way the Atrium Studios provides members with a ready-made contact list for a variety of experts- if a fine artist needs a web designer to promote his work online; we have that here for example. It’s great to see the space being used by so many UCS graduates as well. Many of our students have the ambition to start their own companies but doing so can be difficult without the right support, we can offer that here. Many companies are essentially ‘giving back’ to UCS too by giving guest lectures and offering our current students work placements.
“Now we have a bigger space we are looking for more members to come onboard. We offer very competitive prices and if anyone is interested in finding out more, make contact with us.
“Please visit www.ucs.ac.uk/atriumstudios or email me at C.Gant2@UCS.AC.UK.”
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